Strength from Adversity
Why this tactic matters
Life can be “unfair” and bad things do happen. For
some the trials and tribulations of life prove a crushing blow to
disrupt their life equilibrium. For others, these experiences are
key learning lessons in life to build greater resilience. Strength
From Adversity is that tactic which recognises life’s realities
and is prepared to “dig deep” to find new reserves of
courage and purpose in overcoming difficulties.
Should I be envied or pitied?
A wise man owned several beautiful horses. One horse was so fast and
strong that it evoked the envy of the man’s neighbour. One
day the horse break free and ran into the hills. At once, the neighbour’s
attitude changed from envy to pity at the man’s loss. But the
wise man said, “Who knows if I should be pitied or envied?” The
next day the horse returned leading a herd of fifty magnificent wild
horses. The neighbour was again filled with envy. The wise man said, “Who
knows if I should be pitied or envied?”
Not long after this, his only son tried to ride one of the wild horses but was thrown off and broke his leg. Again, the neighbour’s attitude shifted from envy to pity. But the wise man answered: “Who knows if I should be pitied or envied?” The following day an officer in the emperor’s army came to draft the man’s son for a dangerous mission. But because his leg was broken, he was relieved of a responsibility that would have almost certainly meant death. Instead, the neighbour’s son was taken. As before the wise man responded, “Who knows if I should be pitied or envied?”
It is true. No doubt some life experiences are so harrowing that it seems impossible to imagine how we could ever recover, never mind emerge as stronger individuals. The reality is that a combination of insight into life’s fundamentals and the courage to keep going when it all seems unbearable, builds our resilience for future challenges.